The Kennel Club announces closure of Bark and Read

The Kennel Club and The Kennel Club Educational Trust have announced the closure of the Bark and Read Alliance.

The organisation stated that the initiative has now surpassed the original goal of promoting canine-assisted literacy support in schools, within a framework that benefits both dogs and children.

Therefore, the decision has been made to step back from this field, to enable these organisations, who are more specialised in this area, to continue to provide these services.

Since the initiative launched in 2012, canine-assisted reading programmes in the UK have evolved from a small number of dedicated individuals and groups operating independently, which Bark and Read provided direct grant aid.

There are now larger canine therapy charities joining the initiative who could provide training, assessment frameworks and fundraising support for independent volunteers.

To help unite these individuals and organisations, The Kennel Club developed the Bark and Read Standards of Practice.

Ciara Farrell, culture and heritage senior manager at The Kennel Club, said: “We are immensely proud of Bark and Read and what we have achieved, alongside our dedicated partner organisations. This has not been an easy decision but, given the outstanding dedication and commitment of our partners, we’re confident they will not only continue this work, but will help canine-assisted literacy support to thrive.

“On behalf of The Kennel Club, we would like to thank every volunteer and dog who has joined us over the past 13 years. It has been a joyful experience and we have truly valued their support.”